Field and radiometric assessments of unexamined fossiliferous caves

The fossil record informs evolutionary history, but current knowledge has been drawn from finds located in a small number of sites from geographically restricted areas. This situation partially accounts for existing gaps in the fossil record, limiting knowledge regarding fundamental questions about our species. This study aims to expand the evolutionary record by (i) surveying for new fossil-rich cave sites, (ii) conducting exploratory excavations to evaluate the fossil record preserved within them, and (iii) dating the cave sites to establish the age of the fossiliferous deposits. The project enhances US research capacity by providing student training opportunities and strengthening research links across a broad network of scholars. This project examines the paleoanthropological and paleontological research potential of fossiliferous caves through a combination of drone-assisted and pedestrian surveys. At five caves known or suspected to preserve rich fossil deposits, paleontological test excavations document the fossil record preserved within them. Samples generated through excavations are used for radiometric dating, utilizing a combination of radiocarbon and U-series approaches. This project expands paleontological and paleoanthropological research. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.